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Why Gowling WLG

What is a smart city?

Our cities and the way they operate is evolving. While the overarching purpose of transport, construction and other man-made infrastructures remains the same they have started to develop to become more connected, intelligent and data-driven. As we look towards a 'smarter' future, we must consider what is a smart city, as well as what they will look like and how they will change the way we interact with our environment.

Technology has the power to change key aspects of how we travel, how we work and, ultimately, how we live our lives. As our cities continue to develop it is essential to understand how these changes may have an impact on the private and public sectors as well as the citizens and their governments.

What makes a smart city?

Smart cities use data and technology to improve processes and create efficiencies. By implementing technology such as IoT and autonomy, the cities are often able to benefit from improved economic development, a better quality of life for their citizens and more efficient energy resource management.

How will smart technology change cities?

Our cities are facing an urgent set of challenges as a number of social, technological, economic, environmental and political impacts place further stress on already straining systems. As new business models and technologies try and solve these challenges, uncertainties are emerging as we consider how they will impact urban environments long term.

Communication-based technologies are enabling new and different approaches to mobility for both people and goods. In our report, Rethinking Urban Mobility: Three questions that will shape the future of transport in cities, produced in collaboration with the London Transport Museum, Arup and Thales UK, we explore the challenges and opportunities facing our cities' transportation and infrastructure systems. The report highlights the role that our cities should take in shaping change and recommendations for the future as we look ahead and consider what is a smart city and what strategic policies are needed to make them a reality.

How has technology changed transportation in cities?

The rise in the development of new vehicle technologies is leading to cleaner, connected and smart transport that is integrated with the constantly evolving urban and rural environment. Travel has become more informed and immediate through the use of technology and the capacity for further development in transport to build truly smart cities appears limitless.

While it is clear that smart travel that has potential it still has its challenges to overcome. Our report, in collaboration with the London Transport Museum, PwC and Thales, explores the the impact that technology has on the journeys we make and how we make them.

Considering the like of autonomous vehicles, cyber security and new financing methods, Rethinking Smart Futures: Focussed on people, enabled by transport, powered by technology brings together the thoughts of more than 60 decision makers from across the transport industry to consider the challenges and opportunities faced by cities, transport and infrastructure.

How can Gowling WLG help?

Our experts specialising in smart cities and smart futures work across a broad range of sectors and services, with experience in handling large and complex projects, taking care with political and legislative constraints.

Giles is a highly experienced partner with more than 20 years' experience in helping clients to understand and manage risks, protect their interests and achieve their goals in the delivery of complex infrastructure and real estate development projects.

Matt is a trusted intellectual property adviser, especially for clients with complex patent disputes. Matt has a passion for all things technological. He enjoys working with Tech companies of all sizes from start-ups to multi-nationals.

Jane Fielding helps clients to find commercial solutions to workforce issues, from re-structuring through to individual disputes, Jane's creative and open-minded approach allows her to offer clients the most appropriate solution, not always purely legal. Jane advises businesses on smart working and the use of technology to up skill employees and introduce agility.

Legal expertise and services for the development of smart city and infrastructure projects

'Rethinking Smart Futures: Focused on people, enabled by transport, powered by technology' sets out a vision for smart cities, defining the attributes that will characterise the successful 'places' of the future.

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Gowling WLG is an international law firm comprising the members of Gowling WLG International Limited, an English Company Limited by Guarantee, and their respective affiliates. Each member and affiliate is an autonomous and independent entity. Gowling WLG International Limited promotes, facilitates and co-ordinates the activities of its members but does not itself provide services to clients. Our structure is explained in more detail on our Legal Information page.